Over fifty percent of people enjoy at least one day a year beside the seaside - because it offers everything from a fun-packed time with the family to a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life.

And to help them make an informed choice about which beach to go to, EnCams has teamed-up with Visit Britain to produce a book listing Britain's best resort and rural sands - and what they have on offer.

"Had we written this guide a decade ago, we would have really struggled to recommend anywhere - such was the state of our coastline" said Alan Woods of EnCams. "But the stinging criticism aimed at many beach managers and water companies, has made them sit up and invest heavily in improvements. Some towns have even tried to re-define their image, moving away from the candy floss and kiss-me-quick cliches and pitching themselves as places where everyone can enjoy a quality day out."

The beach-users survey questioned 1000 people - breaking them into seven groups. These were:

1. Walk and a Nice Lunch (who made up 36 percent of those questioned ) - middle-aged couples who liked cafes and a bit of peace and quiet. They tended to visit the likes of Aberdaron in West Wales during winter.
2. Fun, fun, fun (18 percent) - single people making the most of the nightlife in areas such as Blackpool, especially in summer.
3. Arcades and Rollercoasters (10 percent) - young adults much amused by the arcades and funfairs at places such as Whitley Bay.
4. Unspoiled Haven (11 percent) - older people who loved the kind of scenery and conservation much in evidence on the East Coast of Scotland.
5. Extreme Enthusiasts (2 percent) - watersports buffs who will hit any beach as long as the sea is clean and the surf is up!
6. Water Play (2 percent) - less serious about their watersports, but still likely to take to the water to windsurf/surf close to the likes of St Ives; especially when there was a lifeguard on duty.
7. Beach Play (21 percent) - your classic families with buckets and spades who'd be right a home on the long stretches of sand at Scarborough and Great Yarmouth Central.

Britain's Blue Flag Beaches guide was launched on April 1st with Trafalgar Square turned into an outdoor beach.

EnCams helps to improve local environments.